How to Get Rid of Plantar Warts on Feet

by
MICHELLE KULAS Aug. 14, 2017

Michelle Kulas

Michelle Kulas worked in the health-care field for 10 years, serving as a certified nurses' assistant, dental assistant and dental insurance billing coordinator. Her areas of expertise include health and dental topics, parenting, nutrition, homeschooling and travel.

Plantar warts occur on the bottom of the foot. Because you walk on them, your plantar warts may look flat, but may feel as though you have a rock in your shoe. According to DermNet NZ, 90 percent of plantar warts clear up within two years in children, though they may take longer in adults. If your plantar wart causes pain, you can try to treat it at home with either an over-the-counter salicylic acid solution or with duct tape. Plan on being persistent because either method may take more than two months to remove your wart.

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Salicylic Acid Method

Step 1

Wash and soak your foot in warm water, suggests Medline Plus. Dry the area carefully with a towel, and use an emery board or pumice stone to gently file down your plantar warts. Be careful not to file enough to cause pain or draw blood.

Step 2

Apply petroleum jelly to the area surrounding the wart with a cotton swab. This will protect the healthy skin from the harsh solution.

Step 3

Apply the salicylic acid to the wart itself. Be careful not to drip the gel or ointment anywhere else on your foot. If your salicylic acid is in a patch, apply the patch to the wart.

Step 4

Repeat the procedure as often as indicated on the package. MayoClinic.com recommends applying the solution once or twice daily. If irritation occurs, consider applying the solution less often. Continue the treatment until the wart is gone, which may take several weeks.

Duct Tape Method

Step 1

Wash and soak your foot in warm water, then use your emery board or pumice stone to file away the top layer of the wart. Dry your foot completely.

Step 2

Apply a small piece of duct tape to the wart. Press it on firmly, and cover it with an adhesive bandage if desired.

Step 3

Leave the duct tape on your foot for six days. If it comes off at any point during the six days, apply a fresh piece of duct tape as soon as you notice it.

Step 4

Remove the duct tape on the sixth day and soak your foot in warm water again. File away the dead skin left behind.

Step 5

Repeat the entire procedure for up to two months, or until your plantar wart has disappeared.

Things You'll Need

Towel

Emery board or pumice stone

Petroleum jelly

Salicylic acid or duct tape

Adhesive bandage (optional)

Tips

If you have a lot of plantar warts, if they are very painful or if you have diabetes, see your physician. He can treat the warts in the office by freezing or performing minor surgery.